Interview outfit

[monsieurpoirot]

I've been offered an interview in London for a professional job I really want in one month. I'm travelling down by train. Not had an interview in over 10 years so I'm hugely nervous, but also thinking it's going to be hot what on earth should I wear? ideally something I don't need to wear heels with... tia for any suggestions

Congrats on your interview! How formal is the post? Could you wear slim, cropped trousers with flats and a short-sleeved blouse, and carry a blazer, maybe? (I am currently having a love-in with wide, cropped trousers, but am aware they are not popular here - however I think they can also look very smart.)

Oh, and I am so clumsy I would probably carry the top with me and do a quick change between train/interview. Otherwise I'd be sporting half of Costa while trying to wow the panel.

I love that suggestion thank you. The post will mainly be smart casual, but will be expected to look very professional when presenting work etc so need to look the part. Not sure I could carry off wide cropped trousers but slim cropped are very me 😄

You could wear a pencil skirt with a drape front blouse. I'd go for a patterned one personally, as not only do I love patterns, but they help to conceal any sweat (I sweat very easily!).

Do u mean a patterned pencil skirt like a Biden style?

I had an interview yesterday. I wore smart grey trousers from new look, a white top and a blazer.

If it's smart casual but you'll need to look professional then that's how I'd dress for the interview - the latter way.

Slim cropped trousers are fine but with smart blouse or top and jacket/blazer.

You could also wear a workwear dress with jacket and bring heeled shoes with you and change into them before interview - that's what I always do for interviews!

Thanks for all suggestions. Can anyone post a link to a smart blouse or top. Can't find one that doesn't look frumpy. I may also go down the dress route and take heels to change into. Do you think a summery shift dress would look smart or a bit mother of the bride?!

At the moment I'm considering similar options to these outfits (with jacket and smarter shoes and bag). Are they too casual though?

I personally don't like first outfit but like 2nd and 3rd. I'd smarten the dress up with a jacket.

Skirt suit with nude tights (definitely not bare legs) and a blouse or blouse like top, and medium heel courts. You really can't go wrong. Make sure every detail is perfect including nails - nothing over the top just filed and clear polish, or a nude shade.

Don't forget to take a medium size bag in which you have a folder or notebook (smart) and pen ready, and extra copies of your cv. There will always be someone who didn't get one and it looks great if you bring extra copies with you. take a spare pair of tights, mints (tiny ones like tic-tacs) and when you're waiting, look alert and friendly. Dont check your phone or stare out of the window.

It doesn't matter how smart casual the actual job is, you need to present yourself for the professional elements of the role. They need to see you can do it.

Sorry to say but all your outfit choices are not suitable for interview if a professional/traditional office role. You need to be thinking dark suit (navy) with maybe a flash of colour (hot pink/floral/patterned blouse) if you're so inclined, but if you're not sure then a plain white never hurt anyone.

I would wear the second for an interview but I'm in a creative industry. The others are too informal/not 'work'.

Maybe swap the blue trousers in the second for black and add a blazer?

Take flats and swap for heels if you're comfortable in them; I always feel smarter in heels. Agree take a change of clothes and wear for the journey.

What industry is the job in?

I don't agree that you always need a suit for an interview these days... totally depends on the industry and the role.

Thanks for all the feedback, sounds like I need to go a bit more conservative. I will be giving a presentation at the interview so I need to be properly smart even if too hot for my jacket. I have a navy pencil skirt and white shirt so may just stick with that, and take heels in my bag to smarten it up. Job is charity health sector related and would involve research and presenting work to health professionals internationally. Thanks for all the feedback

Navy pencil skirt and shirt sounds perfect!

Don't forget some makeup for touch up if you're travelling and take a smart bag with spare CVs. Make sure you have questions and if you need to you can write them down; don't feel embarrassed about getting out a notebook as it shows you prepared.

I also always empty my handbag of crap before and interview so that I don't get a USB/notebook/pen out and pull out a load of rubbish too haha.

Good luck!

I work in a related sector - if you don't usually wear suits, dresses are great for interviews as well as for when you start work. I have a grey one work wear type dress that I dress up with a jacket and heels or down with cardigans and flat shoes.

The skirt & blouse should be fine - office is probably air conditioned if its in London so wearing your jacket shouldn't be too hot.

The skirt and blouse is absolutely fine.

Even in corporate offices I rarely see women in skirt suits, all about smart work dresses and suit jackets (or smart jackets).

Is what I've worn too, haven't worn a skirt suit for about 8 years now!

Good luck!